Buimerc India Foundation (BIF), the philanthropic arm of the Dubai-based Buimerc Group, is spearheading a three-year mangrove restoration project to protect Kerala’s coastal ecosystem. The project will be implemented with technical and scientific support from the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF).
Starting with a 10-km stretch along the Vypeen coastline in Ernakulam in 2025, the project will focus on seed collection, developing and nurturing field nurseries, planting saplings, and monitoring their growth. The 46-km coastline in the district, accounting for 8 per cent of the State’s shoreline, is home to rich mangrove biodiversity but is under threat due to urban expansion, unplanned land use, and environmental degradation. Mangroves act as natural barriers against storms, erosion, and tsunamis, protect coastal infrastructure, and support a wide array of plant, animal, and aquatic life, apart from providing efficient carbon sequestration.
BIF Chairman R Balachandran said the organization has a few major projects that focus on achieving maximum measurable and sustainable social impact. In the first year, the project envisages the preparation of close to 20,000 saplings for planting and distribution to places facing saplings shortage.
This initiative is not just about planting trees; it is about equipping people, especially the youth, with the tools and knowledge to participate in conservation efforts, said GN Hariharan, Executive Director, MSSRF.
“This partnership with MSSRF reflects our shared vision of a sustainable future. Together, we aim to contribute to protecting Kerala’s mangroves and empower communities to take charge of their natural resources,” Balachandran added.
The Rhizophora Mangrove Field School & Nursery in Vypeen aims to preserve and restore fast-depleting mangrove vegetation, educate and create greater awareness, strengthen coastal resilience, and foster community-driven conservation. The Mangrove Field School will be led by Murukesan, popularly known as the ‘Mangrove Man of Kochi’, under the guidance of MSSRF.
The school’s five-member team will collaborate with gram panchayats, local organizations, and residents to implement the restoration programmes. It also focuses on youth capacity building, offering training and workshops to nurture future environmental leaders.
